Nguyen Thi Hai Yen

REMARKABLE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY SERVICE – NGUYEN THI HAI YEN 

After receiving a full scholarship and experiencing an international learning environment at BUV, Hai Yen returned to her hometown in Quang Binh with a clear purpose: to create more learning opportunities for local children.

That purpose led her to establish Grit Education, an English centre where academic learning goes hand in hand with confidence, essential life skills, and personal development.

How BUV broadened Hai Yen’s perspective

Hai Yen describes her time at BUV as a formative period in both her academic and personal development. Receiving a full scholarship opened the door to an international education and introduced her to people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Support from her lecturers encouraged Hai Yen to think critically and remain intellectually curious. Alongside academic study, internships allowed her to apply what she had learned and develop practical skills for the workplace.

Extracurricular activities and community projects also became an important part of her university experience. Through them, Yen developed her leadership, teamwork, and sense of social responsibility.

“My time at BUV equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue my goals, both academically and beyond.”

Returning to Quang Binh to establish Grit Education

After graduation, Hai Yen returned to Quang Binh and founded Grit Education. The decision grew from her belief in the value of education and her desire to contribute to the community where she grew up.

“The motivation behind founding Grit Education in my hometown stemmed from a deep-seated desire to contribute positively to the development of education in my community. Founding Grit Education was driven by a combination of:

• Personal values: Education has always been a cornerstone of my life, shaping my personal growth and opening doors to opportunities. I believe in the transformative power of education and want to share that with others in my hometown.
• Sense of responsibility: Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and shortcomings within the local education system. Instead of simply lamenting these issues, I felt a sense of responsibility to take action and make a difference.
• Desire for impact: ounding Grit Education provided an avenue for me to have a tangible impact on the lives of young people in my community. I wanted to create a learning environment that not only equipped students with academic knowledge but also nurtured essential life skills and values.

It has been incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact our center has had on students and the broader community, and I am committed to continuing our mission of educational excellence and empowerment.”

Responding to disruption during Covid-19

Establishing Grit Education came with significant challenges. Shortly after the centre began gaining momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to close temporarily.
Rather than allowing students’ learning to be interrupted, Yen and her team moved classes online. The transition required them to adapt quickly while maintaining continuity and support for their students.

“When the pandemic forced us to close just as we were beginning to build momentum, we quickly transitioned to online teaching. Once restrictions eased, we reopened with stronger safety measures and a renewed commitment to our students.”

The experience tested Yen’s resilience and strengthened her ability to respond to circumstances beyond her control. It also reinforced the importance of remaining flexible when leading a growing organisation.

The milestones that matter most

Looking back, Yen feels most proud when she sees how students have developed, both academically and personally.

For her, the most meaningful milestones are not simply grades or test results. They are the moments when a student overcomes an academic difficulty, becomes more confident, or begins to recognise their own interests and potential.

These changes continue to motivate Hai Yen and shape the work of Grit Education. Through the centre, she has turned her own educational opportunities into a way of supporting young people in her hometown.

Your experience after BUV could encourage others to take action in their own communities. Connect with us at alumnirelations@buv.edu.vn to share your alumni story.